Hi Friends,
I recently purchased a flintlock tinder lighter, for use as a prop in my living history interpretation at our nearby Hudson's Bay Company fur trade post. It seems that the frizzen on this cute little toy is too soft to spark well, and is being gouged badly by the flint. I'm wondering what would be the best way to harden this little frizzen. I've been told that heating it and then quenching in used motor oil will add carbon, and give it the required hardness to actually shower sparks into the cup that holds the tinder. It's small and a bit delicate, and I'm worried that heating it in a forge will damage it. Would using a propane torch work adequately? Like the wise man said, "old guys know stuff." Thanks
